Thursday, November 17, 2011

Profile of a Hoarder

Senior Thursday

The following characteristics are what experts believe define hoarders. Although there are hoarding situations that defy each of these characteristics, and they are also common.

Hoarders are typically:
• Female; unmarried
• Living alone; socially isolated
• Related to other hoarders
• Suffering from anxiety, depression and/or personality disorder
• Lacking insight into the problem or in denial
• More entrenched in hoarding as they age

HOW COMMON IS HOARDING?
It is estimated that slightly less than 1% of the population hoards. (Note: One percent of the U.S. population represents approximately three million people.)

However, hoarding is a very private disease and in all likelihood, is under reported. Researchers believe that fewer than 5% of hoarders ever come to the attention of authorities.

No comments: